Police Arrest 88 Suspects, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims in Lagos-Ogun Joint Security Operation
IPERU — Operatives of the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands have arrested 88 suspects, rescued five kidnapped victims, and neutralised four suspected kidnappers during a joint security exercise tagged “Operation Kosaye” (meaning No Chance).
The operation, which involved extensive bush-combing exercises across Lagos, Ogun, and parts of Oyo State, led to the arrest of 84 suspects—comprising 75 males and nine females—while an additional four suspected kidnappers were apprehended during a rescue mission.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday at the Police Training College in Iperu, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said the initiative was introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s successor, IGP Olatunji Disu, and is aimed at eliminating criminal activities and strengthening security across the two states.
According to Ojajuni, the operation successfully rescued five victims who were abducted along the Ore–Ogbere Road on Thursday. He disclosed that four suspected kidnappers were killed during the rescue operation, while four others were arrested.
“We formally launch Operation Kosaye in Lagos and Ogun states. Operation Kosaye means there is no space for criminality and criminals. It is an initiative of the Inspector-General of Police and is strongly supported by the governors of Lagos and Ogun states,” Ojajuni said.
He explained that the exercise was designed to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities while addressing public concerns over reports of criminal elements operating within the region.
The police commissioner noted that security operatives cleared several identified hotspots and forested areas, including Ikeja, Kara Bridge, the Redeemed Camp axis, Iseri Corridor, Owode-Egba, Ogere, Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu-Ode, J4 along the Ondo State boundary, Epe, Ikorodu, and Ogijo.
“We cleared shanties, criminal hideouts and made several arrests. While the operation was ongoing, there was a security breach around the J3–J4 corridor along the Benin–Sagamu Expressway. Following the Inspector-General’s directive, Operation Kosaye swiftly moved in, rescued the victims and neutralised four kidnappers,” he added.
Items recovered during the operation included firearms and ammunition, AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, English-made pistols, locally fabricated firearms, battle axes, cutlasses, and mobile phones.
Ojajuni urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies by providing useful information, particularly regarding individuals with suspicious gunshot wounds.
Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, dismissed reports suggesting that bandits had infiltrated Lagos and Ogun states, assuring residents that security agencies had thoroughly searched identified forests and hideouts.
“To further clear doubts and rumours that bandits have taken over Ogun State and infiltrated Lagos, all identified bushes and forests within both states have been thoroughly combed and searched,” Fatai said.
He stressed that Operation Kosaye is a continuous exercise and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding lives and property.
“The exercise will continue for as long as necessary. We want to assure the people of Lagos and Ogun states that the Inspector-General of Police remains committed to securing the region. We also appreciate the support of the governors of both states who have fully embraced this initiative,” he added.
The police authorities maintained that the operation would be sustained to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven within Lagos, Ogun, and adjoining areas.
